Iranian Navy Raises Capsized Frigate Sahand From Water At Port of Bandar Abbas

The Iranian Navy has successfully retrieved the capsized frigate Sahand from the waters of Bandar Abbas Port, according to state media sources.

The operation took place on the night of July 19, 2024, and involved a massive floating crane from the Iran Shipbuilding and Offshore Industries Complex (ISOICO) and specialized engineering units.

Although the operation was said to be successful, the entire refloat attempt has to be independently verified.

On July 7, 2024, the Sahand frigate capsized while undergoing maintenance next to the ISOICO pier.

The Iranian Navy claims that the incident was caused by “water seepage” into unidentified tanks, resulting in accidental flooding.

According to open-source intelligence, the vessel was receiving armament upgrades and changes, which may have impacted its stability.

The flooding was apparently caused by a technical defect with its propeller shaft, which was removed from repair.

However, after an initial partial recovery, the vessel sank again after the tow cable and mooring line broke.

Sahand is a domestically manufactured frigate that weighs 1,300 tonnes and is 95 meters long.

The vessel comprises anti-ship cruise missiles, electronic warfare systems, and a helicopter deck.

The frigate joined the Iranian Navy’s southern fleet in December 2018.

While the Iranian Navy intends to repair and return the warship to operation, saltwater immersion poses severe threats to electronic and mechanical systems.

Previously, similar incidents, such as the partial sinking of the Norwegian frigate Helge Ingstad in 2018, resulted in scrapping due to the high costs of repair.

The severity of damage to the vessel and cost considerations may impact the Navy’s decision to repair or replace it.

If repaired, the Sahand’s return to service could take several months or more.

Despite the difficulties posed by saltwater damage, the Navy remains confident about recovering the frigate.

Previously, Sahand’s sister ship, IRIS Damavand, sank in January 2018 after colliding with a breakwater near Bandar-e-Anzali and was damaged beyond repairs.

In December 2021, another sister ship, IRIS Talayieh, came off its blocks during drydock float-out.

Reference: Investing.com, rferl